The World Cup of Hockey is here to stay, but will teams like Europe remain in the mix?

Canada head coach Mike Babcock team has not retained when I asked him Tuesday morning that his comments would be about the World Cup if the NHL and NHLPA asked for it.

"Two cities, only the night games, bringing together pools - close, close together - so you have crowds every night, do not move players around," Babcock started, and it was clear that had waited for a while for someone to ask. "Based on where you finish, what your worldwide reputation that is how you are ranked in the tournament, that's how you choose changing rooms, that's how you choose everything.

"It's just, actually When you go to the Olympics, the swimmer in the heats that the fastest swimming gets the best way ;. Here's how it should be but the young guns [North American] team, or anything was [called]., was spectacular. the next time it is going to be a [Connor] McDavid and [Auston] Matthews and those guys? so, you better be careful what you do with it.

"Team Europe has done an excellent job," said Babcock. "They are here in the final, [if it is] hard enough to hit the country and yet I love the country. I love the opportunity to represent your countries of heat on you and you have to offer. I think that is a big part of the Olympics. the Games is something else, "It is not the Olympics. Do not confuse great. world Cup.

OK, everybody has it?

First and foremost, if Babcock had his way there is no way the NHL and NHLPA would withdraw to send players to the 2018 Games in South Korea. This decision must be made by the end of the year, and unless the IOC changes its mind about not wanting to pay for insurance player contract and travel expenses - as he in the past - the participation of NHL is certainly at risk.

Also note that Babcock clearly feels that the next World Cup should consist of teams representing their country and do not include 23 and under in North America team or the team he faced in the final, Team Europe. I agree with him. I think a traditional field is the way to go, with a European qualification event the year before the next World Cup to determine the last few teams in the field. If the NHL does not go to South Korea, I think there will be more burden of having a traditional Olympic field as for the next World Cup.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said Tuesday that no decision had been made, anyway, but in terms of which teams would participate in the next World Cup.

"We have not assessed [that] currently. When we debrief with the players of the Association, we will focus on the format of future World Cups, '' Bettman told ESPN.com. "(But) I do not think anyone can suggest that this tournament has not more exciting because of team concepts Europe and North America team. There is no doubt that both teams were more competitive than the seventh and eighth country would have been. ''

Team Europe winger Nino Niederreiter, who is from Switzerland, asked Tuesday whether he wanted to play for the Swiss in the next World Cup or return as part of Team Europe.

"At the end of the day, it is much more emotional when you play for your own country," said Niederreiter. "Here, you have put together in the last few weeks and you are eight nations in one place and one team. At this point, you do not really play for your country, playing for the teammates you have. There is a mixed feeling. Even being in the final, it's a different feeling when you play for Switzerland in the final. there is literally no pressure on us (Team Europe). All the pressure is on Canada Hockey Jersey. ''

Do not be wrong to give him Niederreiter said Team Europe whole experience was amazing. But when things go wrong, to play solid hockey countries like Switzerland and having this emotional attachment is preferred. After all, Switzerland beat Canada at the Olympics in Turin in 2006 and lost in a shootout to Canadians in Vancouver 2010. It is therefore reasonable for Switzerland would have its own entry in the World Cup. On the other hand, looking from the perspective of Anze Kopitar.

Slovenia, the country of origin Kopitar, will never have a chance to make a World Cup field. So for him, this is a unique opportunity with the Europe team and really enjoy the ride.

"I think everyone has bought very fast. I mean, I've said many times, everyone is really happy to be here and I'd be lying if I said I'm completely sold on this concept you. you do not know what you're getting into, "said Kings captain of Los Angeles. "What makes it so much easier if guys buy right away. We have a great group of guys. It was much easier than expected for everyone to kind of match and create the chemistry that led us to this point. "